Unable to access files from 2nd hard driveSolved/Closed

Question

Hello,

My friend’s computer only shows a blue screen with a "?" (question) mark when she boots it up. I took her hard drive (Western Digital SATA 250 g) out and installed it as a (slave) 2nd drive on my computer to see if I could get her photos and important docs.  

I started my PC and then went into the BIOS. I can see both hard drives but when I  start my pc, it only loads my Windows XP.  

I then go into “My Computer” and I can see all the files on the 2nd drive but I am unable to access Windows from that hard drive. I can’t open the main file on the drive because it is password protected. I get the message “F:\Documents and Settings\MOM is not accessible.  Access is denied”.  

I tried to access the drive directly by making it the first drive at boot up but all I get is a blue screen (which is why I have her hard drive in the first place).

Does anyone know how I can get into that folder ‘MOM’? 

I know what the password is but I don’t know how to get into it. All I want to do is get the pictures and important docs off it and then I am going to wipe it out and start over.

I did a virus scan and a malware check. It found over 70 viruses that have been removed/quarantined. Both hard drives (the 1st and 2nd) have Windows XP Pro.

Please let me know if you need further information or if I wasn’t clear on anything!

Thanks in advance!
System Configuration: Windows XP / Internet Explorer 8.0

xpcman · Accepted Answer

Hi, 

You can try this procedure! 

 In Explorer, right-click the drive in Question and select Properties 
 On the Security tab, click Advanced 
 On the Owner tab, select your account if it isn't already
 Check Replace owner on subcontainers and objects and click OK twice (close all dialogs) 

That sets you as the owner of every folder and file on the drive. 

 Now, in the Explorer, right-click the drive in Question and select Properties 
 On the Security tab add your account if it is not already there and set Full Access 
 Click Apply > Advanced > check Replace permission on all child objects with...... 
 Click Apply

Hope, it works!

mamagistri · Answer

Never mind.  I figured it out. I had to disable the simple file sharing in XP Pro. NOW I can change the security settings on the drive.  Thank you sooooo much!  You are awesome!

Gordon · Answer

Sudeku; the trick is to open the drive letter then navigate to the Documents and Settings folder of the user documents that need to be opened. There you will find the Security tab. The Advanced button will be at the bottom right. Once on that Owner tab, you will see the checkbox for "Replace owner on...". Enjoy your day!

jipojilo · Answer

xpcman.. it was a great help. thank you v much.

Unable to access files from 2nd hard drive

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